SUMMIT COUNTY — Following a year that ended up being the warmest on record for the contiguous 48 states, and that included a monster drought and superstorm Sandy, weather experts have a lot to talk about.

This week, broadcast meteorologists will have a chance to meet face to face with climate researchers and other experts during the annual Glenn Gerberg Weather and Climate Summit in Breckenridge, Colorado (Jan. 14-18).

A bolt of lightning strikes Buffalo Mountain, in Summit County, Colorado as slow-moving thunderstorms soak the area July 18. PHOTO BY BOB BERWYN.

SUMMIT COUNTY — The National Weather Service Monday evening reported flash flooding from Blue River to Breckenridge and warned that the flooding may extend into the Lower Blue Valley, north of Silverthorne later, extending a flash flood warning until 10:45 p.m.

In Breckenridge, Airport Road was closed due to high water, as up to three inches of rain fell across parts of Summit County, according to the National Weather Service’s cooperative observer network. The flash flood warning specifically named Sawmill and Cucumber Creek, as well as French Gulch as potential trouble spots.

Flooding along roads and overflowing culverts are also likely. The heavy rain will probably trigger rock and mudslides on steeper terrain. A tweet from The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore suggested there have already been rockslides near Breckenridge.